COURSE CURRICULUM

The Veterinary Office Assistant program at Bow Valley College is a comprehensive two-term certificate designed to equip students with the practical and theoretical skills needed to thrive in a veterinary office environment. In the first term, students are introduced to the veterinary profession and the basics of medical terminology through courses such as Professional Practice and Communication in Health Care, Medical Terminology, and Introduction to the Veterinary Profession. Key topics also include Small Animal Health Management, which explores common diseases and preventive care, and Financial Management for the Veterinary Office, where students learn essential billing and budgeting practices specific to animal care facilities. The second term builds on this foundation with a mix of administrative and clinical training. Students enhance their workplace communication skills in Business Communication and gain technical proficiency in Computer Applications. Practical veterinary-specific courses like Clinical Skills for the Veterinary Office and Small Animal Behaviour and Handling provide hands-on experience in assisting with procedures and managing animal interactions safely. Administrative Skills for the Veterinary Office ensures students can handle scheduling, records, and front-desk duties efficiently. To complete the program, students choose one capstone option: an Applied Research and Capstone Project, Service Learning, or a Field Placement, allowing them to integrate their skills in real-world settings. This balanced curriculum of theory, administrative expertise, and clinical practice ensures graduates are job-ready and highly sought after in veterinary practices and animal care facilities.